Meningioma

Overview

A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common tumor that forms in the head. Meningiomas typically grow slowly, often over many years without causing symptoms. However, they may cause serious disability if they compress or squeeze the adjacent brain, nerves, or vessels. Meningiomas occur more commonly in women and can cause complications such as difficulty concentrating, memory loss, personality changes, seizures, weakness, sensory changes, and language difficulty. Treatment options may include surgery and radiation therapy, but they can also cause long-term complications. It is essential to seek emergency care if you experience sudden onset of seizures or sudden changes in vision or memory.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

Symptoms of meningioma can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. They may include subtle changes at first and can include:

• Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurriness
• Headaches, especially those that worsen over time
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Memory loss
• Loss of smell
• Seizures
• Weakness in your arms or legs
• Language difficulty If you experience sudden onset of seizures or sudden changes in vision or memory, you should seek emergency care. If you have persistent signs and symptoms that concern you, such as headaches that worsen over time, you should make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing a meningioma include radiation treatment, female hormones, an inherited nervous system disorder called neurofibromatosis 2, and obesity. However, the relationship between obesity and meningiomas is not entirely clear.

Development

Meningiomas develop from the meninges, which are the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. They are the most common type of tumor that forms in the head. Meningiomas typically grow slowly, often over many years without causing symptoms. However, their effects on nearby brain tissue, nerves, or vessels may cause serious disability. The causes of meningioma are not fully understood, but certain risk factors have been identified, including radiation treatment, female hormones, an inherited nervous system disorder called neurofibromatosis 2, and obesity. It is important to monitor meningiomas over time and seek emergency care if sudden changes in vision, memory, or seizures occur.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

If you suspect a meningioma, you should make an appointment to see your health care provider if you have persistent signs and symptoms that concern you, such as headaches that worsen over time. Additionally, you should seek emergency care if you experience sudden onset of seizures or sudden changes in vision or memory.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a meningioma, a neurologist will conduct a thorough neurological exam followed by an imaging test with contrast dye, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, examination of a sample of the tumor (biopsy) may be needed to rule out other types of tumors and confirm a meningioma diagnosis.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of meningioma, a type of brain tumor, can include difficulty concentrating, memory loss, personality changes, seizures, weakness, sensory changes, and language difficulty. Some of these complications can be treated by healthcare providers, while others may require referrals to specialists for coping strategies.

Treatment

Meningiomas are typically treated with surgery and radiation therapy. The goal of treatment is to remove the tumor, relieve pressure on the brain, and minimize long-term complications. However, the treatment approach depends on various factors, such as the tumor's location, size, and whether it has spread. In addition to surgery and radiation therapy, other treatments may be used, including:

1. Chemotherapy: Although chemotherapy is not a primary treatment for meningiomas, it may be recommended in some cases, such as when the tumor is aggressive or has recurred after previous treatment.
2. Targeted therapy: Certain targeted therapies can be used to treat meningiomas, particularly those that have specific genetic characteristics.
3. Observation: For slow-growing meningiomas that do not cause significant symptoms, doctors may opt for observation and monitoring, especially if the patient is elderly or has other health issues that may make surgery or radiation therapy more risky. It is essential to discuss the best treatment options with your healthcare provider, who can help determine the most appropriate course of action based on your individual circumstances.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for meningioma, you should:

1. Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions and ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restricting your diet.
2. Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including those that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
3. Gather key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes.
4. Make a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking.
5. Consider bringing a family member or friend along for support, as they can help remember important details discussed during the appointment.
6. Bring previous scans or X-rays (both the images and the reports) and any other relevant medical records to the appointment. Remember to discuss your concerns and questions with your healthcare provider during the appointment. They will help guide you through the diagnosis and treatment process.